Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" thrills me every time I hear it--and I play it almost every day. Alan Light's story of the song's history let me know that I am not alone. Millions of people all over the world have been moved by this amazing song.
The book includes Cohen's original lyrics and explores some possible meanings of the song, which has been performed by legions of singers. John Cale's selection of verses (leaving out what in my mind was Cohen's essential one) set the now-standard version of the lyrics. Jeff Buckley's beautiful rendition is considered by many to be the best, though you can choose from dozens in every style of music. I'm still deciding what my favorite is.
Cohen has said that he welcomes the continuing evolution of the song. Its haunting beauty and mystery, its celebration of both pain and joy, have graced venues from the Olympics (k.d.lang, 2010) to the children's movie "Shrek" (Rufus Wainwright) to "American Idol." The song seems to speak to everyone.
If you enjoy learning about the creation of a work of art and how it succeeds or fails to find an audience--or if you just love the song-- you'll enjoy this book. And it you're like me, it will lead you to acquire many new versions and never get tired of hearing them.
